Adaptable design and building materials through maintenance and repair
Vernacular buildings use local materials and traditional methods, making them sustainable and cost-effective. They improve health and comfort with better ventilation and natural lighting, while preserving cultural heritage and offering resilience to local environmental challenges.
Figure 2
Covered decks provide flexibility for family groups to gather and meet while family members are receiving treatment, and can be reconfigured to work as triage spaces during periods of surge capacity.
Planning considerations
Site selection Consider risks from natural disasters, existing utility connections (including renewable sources), and access to transport. Beyond these risks, also consider environmental strains or existing conditions that should not be exacerbated (e.g., water-stressed areas).
Local industry Review local market capacity for skilled trades and materials, design accordingly, and reduce transport-associated carbon emissions.
Vernacular buildings Traditional building typologies offer lessons in working with the local conditions and offer a familiar design language.
Local regulatory environment Understand local authority planning codes and regulations to ensure that the design can be delivered efficiently and without delays.
Design and delivery
Sustainable materials Choose low-embodied-carbon, durable, and repairable materials.
Climate resilience Elevate for flood resilience, plant trees to reduce local ambient temperature, use deep overhangs to provide shade, and protect openings against cyclones and wildfire – create a refuge.
Loose-fit Design buildings that can adapt to changing needs, use spaces that can be quickly reconfigured to isolate infected patients and reduce cross-contamination.